Friday, April 19, 2013

Your Weekend



-image by jen ramos



Food: ChickPea Fries

Hi MadeByGirl readers! Its Teann from Teann Ingram Photography. Whenever I go to a restaurant, I always walk in thinking, I'll try a new item on the menu. But when the waitress comes to take the order, I panic and go with something classic instead. Last week, I actually tried a new item! Chickpea Fries, which I fell in LOVE with. 

They are somewhat healthier than regular potato fries, though they are normally deep-fried so I think that might cancel out the "health" factor. Luckily, you can bake these fries too!

 

You can buy chickpea flour from a specialty store (I've heard Whole Foods has it in bulk) or grind dried chickpeas in a coffee/spice grinder, like I did here.


Remember to slowly sprinkle in the flour mixture while whisking constantly to avoid clumps. Switch to a wooden spoon and continue stirring until the mixture starts to separate from the walls of the pot.


While the chickpea mixture is cooling in the fridge, make the curry aioli. Make sure to SLOWLY add the oil to the egg yolk. This is the most crucial part.


Oh yum, look at the colour of those fries!

Now enjoy!

Chickpea Fries
1 cup chickpea flour, sifted 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 1/4 tsp turmeric 2 cups water 2 tbsp olive oil Favourite oil for frying (I use peanut)

Curry Aioli *Note: This aioli contains raw egg yolks.
3 egg yolks pinch of salt pinch of pepper 1/2 lemon 3/4 cup lightly flavoured oil (I use safflower) 3/4 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp cumin 1/4 tsp coriander

1. Grease an 8x8 square dish, set aside. Mix water with olive oil in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, whisk together chickpea flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and turmeric in a large bowl. Once the water is boiling, gradually add the flour mixture, whisking frequently to avoid lumps. Switch to a wooden spoon and continue to stir for about 5 - 7 minutes, or until the mixture separates from the sides of the pan. Pour mixture into the greased dish. Smooth and level with a wooden spoon. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes before placing in the refrigerator.

2. *If using the oven method, preheat oven to 425˚F. While the chickpeas' are cooling, its time to make the aioli. You can certainly whisk by hand, but its takes quite an effort. Instead, I use my KitchenAid mixer. (You can also use a blender or a food processor). Place the eggs in the bowl with the whisk attachment. With the mixer on high speed, SLOWLY add the oil to the eggs, one drop at a time. Wait for the oil to be mixed with the eggs before adding the next drop of oil. Continue this process until the eggs lighten in colour and the texture starts to thicken slightly. Once you have hit this stage, you can start pour the oil in a thin steady stream until all of the oil has been added. Add the rest of the spices and mix well. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

3. Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cut the chickpea mixture into strips, about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Fry strips on both sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Place fries in a warm oven, while frying the next batch. Serve immediately with curry aioli.

*4. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and place chickpea strips, leaving 1 inch space between. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes or until crispy. Serve immediately with curry aioli.



-post by teann ingram

Thursday, April 18, 2013

BOZ + LOVE

Graphic tees have been a huge trend lately, and I came across this Australian brand, Boz+Love, and are obsessed with their line! They use words to remind us of the things that are really important in life! And how cute are the handwritten fonts? 

Oh and let me tell you, these are the softest t-shirts I've ever owned, thanks to the super Eco-friendly fiber, Tencel. Here are a few of my favorite tops, but they also carry dresses & totes! Take a look here!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Fashion: Festival Fashion

Hi lovelies! Its Carlinn here from Superficialgirls and I am getting ready for the festival season! Get out your cut-offs and maxi dresses, your boots and flower crowns and be ready for some seriously chic music festival style. Its your chance to be quirky and let your personal style show so be creative!

I love the mix of floaty feminine dresses paired with utility jackets and boots and if you always wanted to wear tie dye, now is your chance. Online you will find loads of stores with dedicated festival wear sections so you don't have an excuse not to go wild.


Here are some festival outfit essentials:

1. Funky sunglasses like these round ones from Asos
2. Denim shorts are always a go to when the weather is hot, we love ones with a bit of color from J Brand
3. Pile your arms with bracelets and let them jingle while you dance for a festival feel
4. Floral headbands make a statement and people might even mistake you for Lana del Rey
5. Flat booties are essential for dancing in the dirt!


 



Images via Pinterest

-post by carlinn


 


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Design: Office Inspiration

Hello, hello!  It's Sam from The Peak of Très Chic, back with another lovely dose of decor.  I recently participated in the One Room Challenge with 20 other design bloggers across the country.  We were each given the task of designing a room within a tight 6 week timeline, and sharing our gradual progress with readers each week.  

I chose to design a home office, and in the process of research became quite inspired by chic desktops and desktop accessories:




Although the office I designed for the challenge was quite bold and textured, I've recently become more drawn to streamlined, less-cluttered offices, with just a few pops of color:


Shop This Office:

Colored Pencil Set with Brass Holder $82/Lola Donahue Fashion Illustration $30/Gem Lamp in Steel Blue $165/Z-Gallerie Lacquer Desk $499/Clayton Home Lucite Chair $380/Green Leopard Lumbar $165

I've been eyeing that leopard lumbar for weeks now.  It would be such a fun pop of color when paired with a lacquered desk and lucite chair, don't you think?


{All office images above via Lonny Magazine}





Maldives Rangali Islands: Underwater Hotel Rooms

Newlyweds tend to go somewhere tropical or at least somewhere where they're surrounded by incredible views for their honeymoon, but have you ever thought of spending your honeymoon below the Indian Ocean??

The Maldives Rangali Island Resort makes it possible. The glass domed aquarium is actually a restaurant, but they turn it into a luxurious suite for honeymoon bookings!

This is now on the top of my bucket list, definitely a once in a lifetime experience. 





Would you sleep in a hotel room that was underwater?

 

Monday, April 15, 2013

Fashion: Stripes

Hi guys - Kat here!  I found this street style picture on tumblr and it inspired me to write today's post. I love how classic and cool this girl looks.  Stripes are timeless and can be worn so many different ways. You can wear a striped top with a basic pair of jeans or with a bold pair of floral pants.  

If you don't love striped clothing you can wear striped accessories like the ones below.  I need to get my hands on those striped espadrilles - they're only $36 and perfect to run around the city in!  



7.  Soludos espadrilles


-post by kat tanita